How to Break Into Hollywood As a Writer

This article was co-authored by Melessa Sargent. Melessa Sargent is the President of Scriptwriters Network, a non-profit organization that brings in entertainment professionals to teach the art and business of script writing for TV, features and new media. The Network serves its members by providing educational programming, developing access and opportunity through alliances with industry professionals, and furthering the cause and quality of writing in the entertainment industry.

There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Breaking into Hollywood’s film industry is difficult, and making it as a screenwriter comes with its own set of challenges. Until you catch your first break, you likely won’t get paid for your writing, which means you’ll have to work another job to make money in the meantime. But if you’re committed to writing often, coming up with unique stories, and networking with the right people, you could end up selling your script to a producer.

Write every day. The most important key to being a successful writer is being a good writer. Your skill as a writer is like a muscle—the more you exercise it the stronger it will become. Whether you’re working on a full-length feature film or a short scene for TV, try to write something every day.

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Work on multiple projects at once. You may be determined to finish your full-length feature, but that shouldn’t stop you from working on other projects. Besides, if you find yourself at a dead end on a script, you may find it refreshing to write something completely different for a while. Not to mention, it’s a good idea to be able to discuss several projects if you happen to meet a producer or director—or someone who knows one.

Pay attention to trends. Research what kinds of scripts are being bought by production companies. Zombie films? Murder mystery TV shows? Read Hollywood Reporter or Variety to get a good idea. You want to stay true to what you know, but don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and write scripts that people are currently interested in.

At the same time, think outside the box of what is currently popular. It may be refreshing for a producer to come across an engaging and original script that goes against the grain of what they're used to seeing.

Take breaks. All writers face the dreaded “writers block” at some point. If you’re feeling burnt out on whatever you’re working on, or you just can’t figure out what should happen next in a story, take a break. Go for a jog, take a nap, or meet up with friends. Turning your brain off for a while may actually help you find the inspiration you’re looking for. [1]

Have people read your work. It’s never a bad idea to have multiple sets of eyes on your work. If you know people who are good writers themselves, or people who simply have a mind for great ideas, ask them to read your scripts. Tell them to be honest about what they think, and take their suggestions seriously.

Consider taking on a writing partner. You and your partner can either work on the same script and exchange ideas, or work on different scripts and regularly get feedback from one another.

Alternatively, you can join a writers group, which will allow other people to comment on your work and, if you struggle to find motivation, creates deadlines for you.

Study other scripts. When you aren’t writing, read scripts. Watch films and TV shows. Pay attention to structure, style, and dialogue. The best way to improve as a writer, aside from writing every day, is observing what good writers are doing and how they are doing it. [2]

Be your own agent. If you think your script is ready, send query letters to production companies and directors asking for permission to send them your script. Your main goal is to promote yourself and your work. Your query letter should address the appropriate person (instead of “to whom it may concern”) and should include the following:

A one sentence logline that describes what your story is about.

A plot synopsis (up to a paragraph) that describes your story in further detail, including characters, their journeys, and what’s at stake. You should convey what is unique about your script and why the company needs it.

A short biography. Let your reader know what experience you have in the film industry. It’s okay to brag a little here. Be specific and tell them about awards you have won and what you have achieved. If you don’t have any experience, you may want to explain your background and why you are interested in the film industry. [3]

Learn to live with rejection. Your story may be good. It may be great. Still, only around two percent of scripts make it past the first desk. [4] If yours is rejected, or you never receive a response, don’t be discouraged. Keep sending your script out. Alternatively, you may consider making some improvements to your script that might get it accepted.

Consider moving to a vibrant film city. Los Angeles is still where most of the action is. However, cities like Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and Austin boast lively film scenes and are home to many production companies. [5] If you see screenwriting as a future career and not just a hobby, you should be prepared to relocate for that career. Living in L.A. or cities like it will make you available for meetings with producers or agents, and they will be more likely to take you seriously if you’re local. [6]

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Melessa Sargent

President & CEO, Scriptwriters Network

Melessa Sargent is the President of Scriptwriters Network, a non-profit organization that brings in entertainment professionals to teach the art and business of script writing for TV, features and new media. The Network serves its members by providing educational programming, developing access and opportunity through alliances with industry professionals, and furthering the cause and quality of writing in the entertainment industry.

MS

Melessa Sargent President & CEO, Scriptwriters Network

Start by finding the film industry that's closest to you. Melessa Sargent, the President of Screenwriters Network, says: "As a writer, Hollywood is a good place to be, but there are films and TV shows that are filmed all over. Wherever you live, look online to find writers groups that are near you, and go where the people are. Meet them, network with them, and if you can, try to get on a set so you can see how everything works."

Network. Whether you’re at your job or at your local coffee shop, talk to people. Depending on who you meet, you may find they work in the film industry, or perhaps they know someone in the film industry. Be ready to give them your contact information—or better yet, a business card—and keep a notebook of people and their titles. Making it in Hollywood isn’t always about who you know, but knowing important people certainly doesn’t hurt. You could end up selling your script simply because you met the right person.

"Attend as many networking events as you can, because you never know when you'll meet someone who's working on a live set."

MS

Melessa Sargent

President & CEO, Scriptwriters Network

Melessa Sargent is the President of Scriptwriters Network, a non-profit organization that brings in entertainment professionals to teach the art and business of script writing for TV, features and new media. The Network serves its members by providing educational programming, developing access and opportunity through alliances with industry professionals, and furthering the cause and quality of writing in the entertainment industry.

Get a job in the film industry. Any job. Even if your job is to go on coffee runs for the cast and crew, you are making yourself known. Whatever job you end up with, be good at it. Higher-ups will notice and appreciate you, and you may get an opportunity to pitch your story. If that happens, be prepared to send it immediately—producers may not remember you a few months down the road. [7]

"Getting a job on set or getting cast as an extra is a great way to potentially get your foot in the door as a writer."

MS

Melessa Sargent

President & CEO, Scriptwriters Network

Melessa Sargent is the President of Scriptwriters Network, a non-profit organization that brings in entertainment professionals to teach the art and business of script writing for TV, features and new media. The Network serves its members by providing educational programming, developing access and opportunity through alliances with industry professionals, and furthering the cause and quality of writing in the entertainment industry.

Lose your ego. If you finally catch a break and a producer is interested in your script, they may want you to make some changes. Successful producers are successful for a reason: they know what sells and what makes a great film. Even if you think your script is perfect, be prepared to swallow your pride and edit your script. [8]

Know when to stick to your guns. You don’t want to lose the opportunity to sell your work by never compromising. However, you should feel allowed to defend parts your script every now and then. You could convince the producer to change his or her mind, and they may be impressed by your inclination to stick to your guns.

Surround yourself with people you trust. Stay in regular contact with friends and family who have your best interests in mind. Unfortunately, you may run into agents and producers who only see the value in your script, not you. Once you’re in the process of selling a script, ask the people you trust if they believe you’re making the best decisions.

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Community Q&A

Read. Watch movies. Take a class or two on screenwriting and storytelling. Then listen to your heart. What moves you? What sort of story would you like to see on the silver screen? Write it, and rewrite it until you have something you're proud of.

No, but a lot of people looking for screenwriters are more likely to be interested in your work if you're local. There are other filmmaking hotspots like Chicago and Atlanta that you could move to, if you'd prefer that.

Start collecting some websites and email addresses that accept screenplay submissions. Also, you may contact a local production house or any film production company, or hire an agent to represent your script.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Melessa Sargent. Melessa Sargent is the President of Scriptwriters Network, a non-profit organization that brings in entertainment professionals to teach the art and business of script writing for TV, features and new media. The Network serves its members by providing educational programming, developing access and opportunity through alliances with industry professionals, and furthering the cause and quality of writing in the entertainment industry.